Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that blends savory ground beef, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy golden tater tots into a cheesy, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you’re feeding a busy family, preparing a potluck dish, or just craving something hearty and satisfying, this classic American casserole hits the spot every time. It’s beloved for its simplicity, affordability, and nostalgic flavors. In just under an hour, you can whip up a warm, cheesy bake that makes everyone at the table ask for seconds. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this Tater Tot Casserole.
Why You’ll Love This Tater Tot Casserole
This Tater Tot Casserole is a go-to favorite for many reasons. It’s incredibly easy to assemble with just a few pantry staples. The combination of savory beef, creamy soup, and crispy tots creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Kids love it, picky eaters devour it, and it scales well for larger gatherings. Best of all, it’s a one-dish meal with minimal cleanup. Add a side salad or steamed veggies, and dinner is done!
Ingredients
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) of condensed cream of mushroom soup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 package (16 ounces) of frozen tater tots
- 2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese
Step-by-Step: How to Make Tater Tot Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the beef until fully browned and crumbly, about 7 to 10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Mix in the soup: Stir the condensed cream of mushroom soup into the browned beef. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the beef mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom.
- Add the tater tots: Layer the frozen tater tots evenly over the beef mixture.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese generously over the tater tots.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown and the casserole is bubbling hot.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite!
Helpful Tips
- Drain the beef well to prevent a greasy casserole.
- Use pre-shredded cheese for convenience, or shred your own for a meltier texture.
- Add seasoning such as garlic powder, onion powder, or Worcestershire sauce to the beef for extra flavor.
- Cover with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking if you want to prevent over-browning, then remove to crisp the tots.
Substitutions And Variations
- Meat swaps: Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter version.
- Soup alternatives: Cream of chicken or cheddar cheese soup works well too.
- Vegetable add-ins: Mix in frozen peas, corn, or green beans with the beef layer for added nutrition.
- Cheese options: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a spicy pepper jack for a twist.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions or the entire casserole (fully cooked) for up to 3 months. Wrap well in foil and plastic wrap.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through or microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 345
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Vitamin C: 1mg
- Calcium: 213mg
- Iron: 2mg
- Potassium: 313mg
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette.
- Add a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for color and balance.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- It also makes a great brunch dish alongside scrambled eggs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tater Tot Casserole
Can I make Tater Tot Casserole ahead of time? Definitely! You can prepare the entire casserole, seal it well, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Is this recipe gluten-free? Not by default. You’ll need to use a gluten-free condensed soup and ensure your tater tots are certified gluten-free.
Can I freeze Tater Tot Casserole before baking? Absolutely. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
How do I keep tater tots crispy? Bake uncovered and ensure the tots are arranged in a single, even layer. You can also broil the top for 2-3 minutes at the end if you like them extra crispy.
Can I double the recipe? Yes! Use a larger baking dish or make two separate casseroles. Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.
Conclusion
Thanks so much for cooking along with me today! This Tater Tot Casserole is one of those easy, flavorful dishes that brings a smile to everyone’s face. From the crispy tater tots to the creamy, cheesy filling, it’s pure comfort food joy. I truly hope you have as much fun making and enjoying this recipe as I always do. Wishing you delicious meals ahead, and thank you for being part of this warm, food-loving community!
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Tater Tot Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
Description
Tater Tot Casserole is a quick, comforting dish layered with seasoned beef, creamy soup, crispy tots, and melty cheese. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 package (16 oz) frozen tater tots
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the beef until fully browned and crumbly, about 7 to 10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Mix in the soup: Stir the condensed cream of mushroom soup into the browned beef. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the beef mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom.
- Add the tater tots: Layer the frozen tater tots evenly over the beef mixture.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese generously over the tater tots.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown and the casserole is bubbling hot.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite!
Notes
Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Add frozen veggies like peas or green beans for extra nutrition.
Use cream of chicken or cheddar soup for different flavor profiles.
Broil at the end for extra crispiness on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6 of dish)
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Protein: 19g
